gregorygarver.com

[dragonsmercy]

My partner & I rent a property that has been put up for sale by the owners (we are still in contract until January) & were given only 40hrs notice that the property was for sale, let alone that there would be an open house the next day. This was 2wks ago.This afternoon (friday, 1pm, Australia) our real estate rang to "confirm" that there will be an open house tomorrow at 10am. They claim they left a message on our phone earlier in the week, however we honestly never got this message. They have refused to cancel the open house, even though my partner will be at work and I have a Dr's appointment (which I have now had to cancel). I'm so angry, but I feel like there's nothing I can do.They're being utterly unprofessional but i doubt my partner & I are going to get any sort of compensation - they've already refused us a rent reduction. Also there are also outstanding repairs on the property (broken showerhead & oven rangehood) they've known about for 3wks but have done nothing.Do you think there's anything we can do? I feel like we're being trodden all over and I'm very angry at having to cancel my appointment tomorrow - my gynaecologist has a 4mth waiting list! I've had to reschedule for MARCH!We're so angry about this...any help would be appreciated no matter how small.xto kimmar....how would you like it if you'd just gotten home from work, and were given only 20hrs notice that your home had to be sparkling clean from top to bottom, because a horde of complete strangers were going to be given free range of your home the very next morning, whether you like it or not? With a paranoid cat who hate strangers and an appointment I booked four months ago, you'd understand why I am more than a little incensed.It's landlords like you who make your renters' lives hell. I hope to god I am never one of them.

[Olga]

You do not have to be there unless the realtor does not have keys. And they only have to give you 24 hr notice. You cannot refuse otherwise you are breaking the law by obstructing the landlords right to sell.40 hrs notice that he put the place up for sale? He doesnt need your permission. And they gave you 24 hr notice for open house. That is all they have to give.The landlord doesnt have to give you any rent reduction either. They are not acting unprofessional. A broken showerhead is something you can replace yourself. As far as the oven rangehood, what? Is the fan not working? Not an emergency. It is nothing you can hold over their heads.Realize he is going to sell the house and the realtor is giving you proper notice. There is nothing you can do about it.If your worry is about someone being there when the realtor is there, then have a friend or neighbor come over for that time period that you will be gone. Or even the landlord.Just to be clear, if you obstruct the landlord or the realtor from showing the apartment with proper notice, then the landlord can evict you. I am sure you dont want that on your credit reports. January is not that far away and the house probably wont sell by then anyway. If it does, the new owner still has to give you to January per your lease. But they do not have to renew your lease. So be prepared to be out by Jan. when your lease ends. All this is assuming that the laws are pretty much the same all over the world.

[TitoBob]

I understand your frustration. They are acting within the law, but certainly they could be more professional and polite.They have given you 24-hour notice and that is all that is required. However, unless your contract requires it, you do not have to make your house "sparkling clean from top to bottom." In fact, you could leave it a complete mess, put the furniture in the way, and generate strange smells if you like!What I do when selling tenant-occupied homes is ask the owner to offer the tenant a reduction in rent but only if the tenant cooperates in keeping the house presentable. They get the reduction only after the house is sold, not while it is for sale. That way the tenant is motivated to cooperate and has to please me (the broker) in order to earn the reward.The maintenance items are a non-issue. If you want to fix them, deduct the cost of the parts from your rent.Sorry for your troubles-- best wishes!